The Football Association has had to make a last-minute change in the officiating team for the upcoming Community Shield match between Manchester City and Manchester United.
Initially scheduled for Saturday, this match serves as the traditional opener to the new football season.
With Pep Guardiola’s squad targeting an unprecedented fifth consecutive Premier League title and Manchester United, as FA Cup holders, eager to rebound from a disappointing eighth-place finish last season, tensions are already high.
Originally, John Brooks was appointed to referee the match at Wembley. However, just days before the game, Brooks was forced to withdraw due to a minor injury.
In response, the FA has promoted Jarred Gillett, who was initially set to serve as the fourth official, to the role of match referee.
Gillett will now be accompanied by assistant referees Adrian Holmes and Nick Greenhalgh.
Sam Barrott will step into the fourth official position, while Peter Bankes will oversee VAR duties, assisted by Sian Massey-Ellis.
This change in referees may stir some concern among Manchester United fans, as the team struggled under Gillett’s officiating last season.
The Red Devils lost three out of four matches he refereed, including a heavy 4-0 defeat by Crystal Palace, a close 4-3 loss at Chelsea, and a 3-1 setback against Brighton.
Additionally, Gillett was the VAR official who controversially disallowed Alejandro Garnacho’s potential 88th-minute winner against Arsenal in September, a decision that preceded United conceding twice in extra-time to lose 3-1.
Gillett, an Australian, made history in September 2021 by becoming the first foreign referee in the Premier League.
His role in this high-profile match will be closely watched, especially given Manchester City’s determination to avenge their 2-1 defeat to United at Wembley in May, where goals from Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo sealed the victory for Erik ten Hag’s side.
United, however, will be missing their new £52 million signing Leny Yoro, who is sidelined for three months following surgery on a foot injury.
Meanwhile, City will be desperate to avoid a fourth consecutive Community Shield loss, having fallen short against Leicester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal in recent seasons.
